Alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by what key symptom?

Alcoholic hepatitis is primarily characterized by jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. This symptom occurs due to the liver’s inability to properly process bilirubin, a substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. In alcoholic hepatitis, liver function is compromised due to inflammation and damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. As the liver struggles to filter bilirubin, it builds up in the bloodstream, leading to jaundice. This symptom is a critical indicator of liver disease and reflects the severity of the condition, making it essential for diagnosing alcoholic hepatitis. Other symptoms may accompany it, but jaundice stands out as a principal hallmark of this disease.